After reading about the great romantic
pianist, "The Great Emilio" who performs at the Flamingo Hilton, I just had to
go and see for myself.
Upon entering the hotel/casino, I hear
chattering guests rushing to try their luck at their favorite game, and the
"ching-ching" of coins dropping in slot machines. As I get closer to the
Flamingo Room the noise of the casino diminishes and the sound of beautiful piano playing
takes over. Drawn to the unique rhythm and exhilarating sounds, I approach the entrance of
the restaurant, and there is an enthusiastic crowd gathered around a white grand piano
where The Great Emilio sits.
The audience responds to this great pianist
with such feeling and joy that they are dancing next to his piano, keeping in-step with
his every keystroke. Emilio flashes a sparkling smile of enjoyment at his audience and
continues his electrifying performance - only to pause briefly to greet and take
photographs with fans.
The Great Emilio has a fun-loving, jubilant
style of piano playing; and he "tickles-the ivories" with such precision and
tremendous speed. Playing many fascinating melodies as "Tico, Tico," "My
Fair Lady" and "Symphony Number 40 by Mozart" with astounding finesse.
"When Emilio plays he makes me feel good all over. What a fabulous performance!"
says one ecstatic fan.
As I make my way through the dancing crowd
and enter the reception area of the Flamingo Room, I overhear an elderly couple say that
they arrived early just to get a good seat in the restaurant. "We don’t want to
miss anything!" they explain. They listen to him sweeten their hearts with the
traditional romantic love tunes of "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" and
"Memories," and cuddle closer together to enjoy their romantic interlude.
Since my first encounter with The Great
Emilio, I have had the opportunity to interview him, and I found him to be as charming and
magnetic as his piano playing.
With his Liberace-like persona and
charismatic energy, The Great Emilio’s music takes his audience to a place of
enchantment and love. Just close your eyes and listen to the music, and "Voila!"
he’s warming your spirit with joyous music.
Emilio’s music is enjoyed by audiences
of all ages. From young children who anxiously wait to request their favorite Walt Disney
tune, newlyweds who have just exchanged their "I do’s" to the elderly
couple who are enjoying an evening of rekindling love under this elegant musical setting.
His fans are amazingly dedicated. One young
couple came to Las Vegas for a seven-day vacation, and found themselves returning to the
Flamingo Room each night of their stay just to be mesmerized by more enchanting melodies
performed by The Great Emilio. "After our first evening, we just couldn’t stay
away. We are addicted!"
The Great Emilio is Las Vegas’ premier
romantic pianist. He has been giving award-winning performances for over 40 years.
In fact, judges of the first
"Play-a-Like" contest at the Liberace Museum have said, "He is the closest
person we have ever seen who has a glimmering smile, energy and flair, and can play the
piano like Liberace." They were so impressed by his performance that they awarded him
the Crystal Palace Award for being the first performer to win First Place at the
professional level.
When The Great Emilio and I spoke about his
many performances, he told me of some of his most memorable concert tours in great concert
halls all over the world. This extraordinarily talented pianist has performed his piano
magic in Austria, Germany, England and France. Emilio has thrilled German audiences at the
Stadhale Concert Hall and Beethoven Hall in Germany. After giving an outstanding
performance at the Mozart Concert Hall, he received a standing ovation.
The response was overwhelming in London,
England, when he dazzled patrons with his brilliant piano playing in the Green Room.
Asking for an encore performance, his spellbound audience did not want him to leave the
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"The Great Emilio"
has delighted fans all over the world.
Lovely
Paige O'Hara sits with Emilio.
In September
1998, The Great Emilio’s performances caught the attention of Royalty, and he
received an invitation to perform for Prince Charles. Although he was unable to accept the
invitation, due to a prior commitment with the Flamingo Hilton, what a wonderful honor it
is to be admired and recognized by a member of The Royal Family.
In
France, he performed at the Eiffel Tower and gave such a moving performance that he made
the Parisians cry with favorite musical scores as "Poor People of Paris,"
"Under the Bridge of Paris," "Moulin Rouge" and "La Paris."
In addition to Emilio’s command
performances in the Flamingo Room, he adds musical ambiance in the main showroom during
dinner at "The Great Radio City Spectacular," starring the Radio City Rockettes.
Recently, the German film company, Network
Television World conducted a search for the greatest piano players across the world. They
contacted the Flamingo Hilton and asked to film The Great Emilio "live" in the
Flamingo Room. They taped his piano playing for over six hours. The program is scheduled
to air on television in October 1999.
The Great Emilio’s specialty of music
blends traditional classical music with contemporary and popular 1920’s through
1940’s music. His music brings backs memories of romantic moments and great times. He
has a flamboyant style and thrilling persona that’s unique and original. When I asked
where he gets his inspiration and enthusiasm, the great pianist’s eyes light-up as he
responds, "I am a lover of people, life and music. The excitement and enjoyment of my
audience makes the music flow through my fingers. When my piano playing touches people
emotionally and makes them laugh, cry or just look deeply into each other eyes, I am
inspired to play more wonderful music for them."
Emilio pours an immense sense of wonder, joy
and zest of life into his music. "Emilio’s piano playing heals people’s
souls, minds and hearts," says fan Eddie Caldwell from San Bernandino, California.
His electrifying personality with his audiences has gained him long-time followers like
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Furiotte from Minnesota, who are pleased to say, "It’s the most
wonderful evening of our lives. The Great Emilio is the best entertainer we have seen in
Las Vegas. He’s one of the reasons we come back to the Flamingo Hilton every
month."
The Great Emilio’s music is truly
excellent "food for the soul." In the soft lights and elegant dining of the
Flamingo Room, his "live" musical performance, illuminating sequined costume and
endless energy captivate you. His performance is the most enjoyable musical experience of
a lifetime.
A fascinating evening of spectacular music
and unique talent, "The Great Emilio" performs at the Flamingo Hilton,
Tuesday-Sunday, 8-11 p.m. For reservations, telephone (702) 733-6464. LVN
The Great Emilio’s CD titled,
"Forever Yours" can be purchased at the Flamingo Hilton gift shop or by calling
1-800-299-2113. For additional information or to join Emilio’s fan club which already
has more than 500 members within the United States and over 1,000 internationally, just
call 702-456-7605 or write to: The Great Emilio Fan Club, P.O. Box 30183, Las Vegas, NV
89173-0183. |
